SUNY at Cobleskill - Voice Yearbook (Cobleskill, NY)

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Tor efficient use of books; more than that, there is a fine spirit of coopcrat ivencss, which has made tolerable even our super-crowded conditions of the past year or two. If our public were not so good-natured about the necessity for tucking in elbows, waiting turns, and returning things promptly for the use of others, life for the librarians could be less pleasant than it is. Wc arc glad of an opportunity to express our appreciation to you all.” f from MISS PARKE, the librarian.) The college library is an institution in itself. The VOICE would like to pay tribute to this most hardworking and often not sufficiently recognized jx rtion of our staff. They certainly deserve our thoughtful and appreciative recognition. Students and faculty are sometimes prone to take for granted the services of the library staff rather than to praise them. I.ct us consider a moment: in the library are books and information the student might need to do a complete rc|x rt or project; books arc on reserve so that all may have an equal chance to complete an assignment: folders are available for extra information; and the librarians are always there to help locate a book, to answer a question. Unfortunate, indeed, would be the student who could not avail himself of these benefits. Instructors, also, would be at a loss without the library. All knowledge cannot be taught from a textbook. Additional references and readings can often teach more than the text. This is where the library makes its contribution. An efficient system of reserving books and supplemental readings can make the teaching more efficient. May this expression of our appreciation help to make the library staff aware of our gratitude to them! NORVA R. M UN LORD Assistant Librarian B.S., S.U. College at (Jcncseo M.L.S.. Syracuse University MARY ELLEN BAILEY Library Assistant B.A., Wheaton College LORNA W. MeNLILLY Library Assistant B.S., Simmons College

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Zke Cibrary Since the time of ancient Alexandria, a fine library has been one of the most treasured possessions of a man or civilization. It is a symbol of cultural achievement, not only wealth but also discernment being necessary for the creation of a library. Here arc stored the ideas and experiences of the past. Here one may find the raw materials with which the dreams of the future may he brought to reality. Four things arc needed, as follows, if a library is to fulfill its function: First, a generous and appropriate collection of books and other publications; Second, a place where they may be kept safely and consulted easily; Third, personnel who understand how to organize this collection for effective use, and who arc interested in helping people find what they need; and Fourth, readers who want to use books, and who have intelligence enough to know what they want, and persistence enough to find it. Obviously, the library at Coblcskill will never be one of the great collections of the world—such an aim would be unrealistic and inappropriate. But, we believe that wc have a good selection of materials for this Institute, that the library provides what is needed by students and faculty members, and that there is something left over for enrichment and delight, as well as for use. We have always aimed at cheerful informality' in the physical quarters of the library. With the occupation of the new building, ample space will again be available to make study more pleasant. The library staff has increased rapidly in recent years, and wc have been fortunate that every' new librarian and stenographic worker has not only been extremely capable, but has also been interested in her work of relating books and readers. Finally, we in the library feel fortunate in the attitude of the college family toward the library. Nearly every student seems eager to master the techniques needed for efficient use of books; more than that, KATHRYN E. PARKE Librarian A. B., Smith College B. S., L.S., State University of Albany M.S., L.S., University of Illinois 8

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